I’m going to start this review by admitting that I’m biased. Yes, that’s right, I already like The Decemberists, so when I tell you that this is a good great album, you’re going to be wondering “Yes, but am I, Random Internet Surfer, going to enjoy it?” Well RIS, I’ve a few questions […]

(One Little Indian, 2006) Just who in the hell does Greg Dulli think he is? Do we believe his evil, drug addled screams, or his lush sweet croonings? His tales of loss and yearning? His rants of agony? The truth is, in the end, it doesn’t matter. With his newest […]

(Red Ink, 2005) “Have you heard the one about the Jesus and Mary Motorcycle Club?” B.R.M.C. sure have. The constant comparisons between early period Jesus and Mary Chain and the first two albums from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club had left the band pigeoholed. The slow, meandering, completely fuzzed out sound had kind […]

(Columbia/Red Ink, 2006) The Zookeeper’s Boy is an EP from Danish progressive pop group Mew, intended to introduce the band to American audiences before the domestic release of their latest album, And The Glass Handed Kites, this summer. If the EP is any indication, the album will be one of the year’s best. […]

(Independent, 2006) When you have had an album sell one and half million copies, your life should be set, right? Everything should fall into place for a lengthy and wealthy career. Ten years ago, these were the prospects facing Brian Vander Ark. His band, the Verve Pipe, was in the process of selling over a […]

(Universal Music Canada, 2006) Sam Roberts’ previous release, We Were Born in a Flame, was a giant hit in Canada, winning three Juno Awards and praise from all corners of the country. The follow-up to that hit, released May 16th in the States, is a bit of a departure. Where Flames was an […]